The Oomph Music Blog

Achille Lauro Does the Low Cha Cha

Jun 182011

Indie-rock band Achille Lauro has been a staple in the Denver music scene for several years, probably better known for their tongue-and-cheekness and their willingness to explore musically than for a particular sound. I (sort of) got to hear them play live once, and the live audio was so terrible, unfortunately (not their fault), that it wouldn’t have been fair to form an opinion of them one way or the other. The only thing I could pick up was that they were solid musicians and showed some sense of promise.

These days, Achille Lauro is continuing to experiment, this time by releasing new songs for their fans a few at a time as opposed to putting out a full-length. Their latest single, “Low Cha Cha,” has put to rest any doubts I might have had about the band’s musicality. Over ninety percent of this five-minute song is a repetition of two chords, but everything over the top of those two chords is nothing short of compelling for me. The vocals by frontman Matt Close are passionate, expressive, almost cinematic, perhaps similar to Brandon Flowers of The Killers in style, if not in tone. Instrumentation, production value–all of it is top-notch. If you haven’t heard Achille Lauro yet, they deserve a listen. So do it.

Achille Lauro: “Low Cha Cha”

My Body Sings Electric (and Changes Color)

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Jun 022011

After a bit of waiting, I finally got my hands on Changing Color, the debut full-length from Denver alt-rockers My Body Sings Electric. This is a band that has been playing a lot around town and gaining a lot of momentum and attention with their high-energy, indie-punk sound.

I had the chance to talk with these guys a few months ago (you can see the article I wrote here), and the impression I got from talking to them was that they are very purposeful, passionate, hard-working and focused. They want to get their music to a wider audience, and they are working a plan to get there.

Listening to their record, I’d say My Body Sings Electric is ready for the larger audience they are seeking. Recorded at Interlace Audio in Portland, Oregon, the record’s production value is outstanding, with quality audio and near-flawless execution. Tight, complex rhythms and riffs played with searing accuracy, overlaid with hooky, singable vocals, make this a great listen all around. The hard work is showing–these guys play extremely well together.

My Body Sings Electric

Take a listen to the record’s single (and my personal favorite), “Step Into the Light,” and if you like their vibe, the whole record is available pretty cheap from their website. Listen for the wailing guitar solo near the end of the track–gives me chills.

My Body Sings Electric: “Step Into The Light”

Afterlife Parade: Death to Life

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May 242011

When you hear of a rock band called Afterlife Parade releasing an EP called Death, it might be easy to get the wrong idea–like something dark, macabre, gothic. But that’s not the case at all with this band. It actually started as a project by Nashville singer/songwriter Quinn Erwin who was trying to process a series of losses that hit close to home. The result is a themed EP that actually takes the listener on a journey processing that sense of loss that death can bring…and musically and thematically, I have to say, I find it brilliant.

Dealing with death in any capacity musically can be a huge risk. Lean too far one way, and you’ll be dark and depressing–and lean too far the other, and you’ll come off as trite. This record, in my opinion, falls right into the perfect groove between those two extremes, being engaging both lyrically and musically.

I’ve shared the first full track, “Death,” but really this is an EP that should be listened to all the way through. Thankfully, at the present time the full EP is available for free download from the band’s Bandcamp page.

Apparently, Death is just part one of the journey of Afterlife Parade. A followup EP, Rebirth, is due out soon. After hearing this one…I can’t wait.

Afterlife Parade: “Death”

Download the Death EP from Afterlife Parade here:

Quiet Americana

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May 152011

Many people might be more familiar with the name Boulder Acoustic Society than they are with the name Aaron Keim. That’s because Boulder Acoustic Society has been making a name for itself as a progressive band in the bluegrass/roots/neo-folk world over the past several years.

But Keim (who happens to be the founder of B.A.S.) goes by yet another moniker when he’s flying solo: The Quiet American. And as The Quiet American, he has just released his second solo project, aptly titled The Quiet American, Vol. II. And if you listen to the record, and know a little of his story, you’ll discover that Aaron Keim is an old soul putting a modern twist on folk.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect to Keim’s work is that he literally brings history to life in the way he tackles his music. First of all–he makes most of his own instruments. Secondly, the first installment of The Quiet American was initially recorded on a wax cylinder from the 1890’s (the new release uses more modern methods, but has a historic feel, nonetheless). And third–Keim isn’t afraid to weave traditional bluegrass tunes in with his original stuff. Vol. II has a healthy blend of both.

And yet, somehow in bringing the past to life, by weaving subtle modern indie-rock elements into his stuff, Keim breathes new life into the music–and what is old is new again. Pretty amazing, when you think about it.

But don’t take my word for it. Have a listen to the opening track below.

The Quiet American: “I Will Be the One”

Buy The Quiet American, Vol. II on iTunes:

Wire Faces: Post-punk Neo-Retro

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May 012011

So I just got a listen to Diamonds & Gold, the new EP from Ft. Collins-based post-punk band Wire Faces released in March. I must say I’m surprised that they haven’t shown up on my radar before now. (Not that I’m omniscient or anything…)

Let’s just say it takes a little innovation for a three-piece band to fill the sonic space the way these guys do–they make drums, bass and guitar go a long way, both in musicianship and energy, giving off the pleasant illusion that you’re listening to a bigger band, when actually you’re hearing three guys playing the heck out of three instruments.

As to musical style–to me, Wire Faces has a neo-retro vibe vaguely reminiscent of The Killers, except more guitar driven (i.e., no synth), and a lot less tame. Vocalist/drummer Shane Zweygart, who handles most of the vocal work, frequently lets his voice fly passionately into pitchy territory, but does so in such a way that is actually quite satisfying.

Take a listen to the track “Tame You” from the new EP, and watch the video below from Wire Faces’ first record. See what you think.

Wire Faces: “Tame You”

Download Diamonds & Gold:

“Indie Folk Melancholipop”: the whicker and pine

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Apr 242011

Brand new on the radar…to the sound of (not so) much fanfare…comes Denver acoustic indie-folk band the whicker and pine.

(Doesn’t ANYONE use upper case anymore?)

Anyhow, just getting started, these guys already show some musical maturity on their debut self-titled EP (which you can download for free from here). They have a laid-back sound that’s just perfect for a cloudy Sunday morning while enjoying a cup of coffee (which is precisely why–and when–I’m writing this blog post now).

In a recent post on the band’s blog, one of the band mates half-jokingly described their sound as “Indie Folk Melancholipop.” But that really fits the vibe of the record. It’s just enough “indie” and “alt” to get your attention, but just enough “pop” to make it accessible. Plus, anyone who can come up with a genre name that rhymes with “lollipop” has to have something on the ball.

New bands always have room to grow, and that’s certainly the case here. But the whicker and pine has is already quite easy on the ears, and it will be interesting to see how their sound develops. Meanwhile, take a listen to the opening track of their EP below, and if you like what you hear–go here to get the rest of it.

the whicker and pine: “stay awake”

The Sundelles: Resurgent not Retro

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Apr 102011

I had an interesting experience this morning. After last listening to the Sundelles song “Can’t Win” one time last week, this morning I woke up to the song playing in my head. Talk about catchy.

While there are a lot of bands and acts out there who are trying to push music forward by pressing the envelope of experimentation (often until you have no grid whatsoever for what’s going on), a number of bands look backward for their inspiration. But even among these bands, I’m discovering a difference between “retro” and “resurgent.” A retro band tends to live in yesteryear (sometimes even dressing the part), recalling the fond memories of days gone by–completely looking backward. But other bands are shooting for a resurgence; they look backward just enough to get inspiration, and try to bring that music forward into a modern-day context, to make it current and relevant again.

Photo: JM Houle.

Listening to the Sundelles, their 60’s California surf-pop vibe is unmistakable. But it’s also apparent that these guys aren’t retro; they are resurgent. They are playing this sound in such a way that it fits the modern day, and makes us fall in love with the sound all over again in a new way.

Bottom line, though: whether a song takes its inspiration from the past or pushes to the future, what makes it stand out is if it is catchy. Ultimately, that’s why I like the song below, “Can’t Win.” I don’t like it because of its roots in the past; I like it because it’s catchy.

“Can’t Win” is from the Sundelles’ debut full-length album Georgia Swan. Give it a listen and see what you think.

Sundelles: “Can’t Win”

Buy the Sundelles on iTunes:

The Sound of Civil Wars

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Mar 312011

This band is already getting plenty of attention, but I just have to put in my two cents’: acoustic folk duo The Civil Wars is one of the best I’ve heard in quite some time. More than just the raw, minimal instrumentation and catchy melodies, these voices just go together. John Paul White and Joy Williams have stumbled on a combination and chemistry that is more than just talent (which both have in spades, btw). It’s a sound that exceeds the sum of its parts.

It’s almost ironic that their name is The Civil Wars, because they go so well together. And yet, you can hear a subtle tension and struggle within the music itself. Perhaps that’s what the name refers to.

Here’s the video from the title track of their record, Barton Hollow. Take a look/listen and discover why this new duo is already selling out shows all over the place. If you like what you hear, at the present time you can get a free download of the song from the band’s website.

Tyler James: A New Spin on Old Soul

artists 1 Response »

Mar 232011

Singer/songwriter Tyler James is a bit of an anomaly. His bio says he grew up in the Pacific Northwest and in Iowa, and currently hails from Nashville. But spin his debut record It Took the Fire, and you’d swear he was from Memphis. And maybe from the 1970s.

Don’t misunderstand–James’ blue-eyed soul has a retro vibe, but it is not dated. It’s timeless. Tyler James has managed to draw from the old influences to breathe fresh life into some just plain good music. Not only are his songs well-crafted, but he delivers his vocals with that kind of smoky rasp that many kindred spirits can only dream about. And although his music will probably remind you of something you heard years ago, there’s something about it that is fresh and very much “today.” It’s a new spin on old soul. Don’t ask me how. Just enjoy it.

Here’s the video for “All I Got,” the opening track of the record. See what you think.

Buy It Took the Fire at iTunes:

Ticket Giveaway–the h is o, Saturday, 3/19 at Larimer Lounge

randomness 3 Responses »

Mar 152011

Photo: Selah Photography

For those of you in Denver this weekend…if you want to go see a fun band play live, catch the h is o. They’re headlining at Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer Street in Denver, this Saturday, 3/19. Tickets for the show are $8, available from Larimer Lounge–and that ticket includes sets from some other Denver locals, including Dwight Forcey, The Evening Edition, The Cages and Doubters.

I have two free tickets to the show, which I’ll be giving away to one lucky person tomorrow evening by a drawing.

Here’s all you have to do to enter: leave your name and email address in the comments, or if you’re uncomfortable doing that, email me that information personally using the email address on the “About” page. Entries will close Wednesday at 5PM MDT, and I’ll notify the winner that evening by email. It’s that simple. (And your email address will ONLY be used for notifying you–you won’t be added to any email lists. Promise.)

Whether you score these tickets or not, go catch the h is o Saturday night in Denver. (If you’re in Denver Saturday night, it’s obvious you missed SXSW, anyhow–so this is the next best thing.) Doors open at 8 PM, and the h is o is the headliner, scheduled for 11PM.

If you read this blog and see the number of comments people actually leave, you’ll see that your odds of winning these tickets are actually pretty good, if you’ll just step up.

Ready…go.

(For more information on the h is o, click here.)

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